The RSV infection, a virus that causes respiratory tract infections, is especially threatening to the elderly and infants. The RS virus becomes active and spreads every second year. There has been an upswing in RSV infections, especially in northern parts of Europe, since early January.
Symptoms are much like the common cold, but typically also include a wheezing cough.
"Infants under the age of six months often have to be hospitalized when mucus blocks their airways," says Pekka Suomalainen, the chief infectious disease specialist for South Karelia Social and Health Care District.
In Finland, the number of cases is expected to continue rising into May and taper off in June.
